Recording studio: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering recording studio

Studio clients book time to get a performance captured well and want a session that runs smoothly. Show that you set up the room and the sound before the session starts, and explain the files and the terms clearly.

What customers ask

  • Is an engineer included?
  • How long will the session take?
  • Can you record a band in one room?
  • What files do I get?
  • Who owns the recordings?
  • What if we run over the booked time?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask what is being recorded, how many people are playing or speaking and how long the session needs, then recommend a block of time.
  • Ask for the songs or scripts in advance, and plan the microphone and room setup for each one before the session.
  • Show a sample recording made in the room, with the microphones and the setup noted.
  • Put the hours, the engineer, the equipment, the files and the cancellation terms into the quote, so the client knows what is included.
  • Run a sound check before the session starts, and tell the client what you set up and why.
  • Agree in writing how the files are delivered and who keeps the session files.

What to put on your profile

  • Sample recordings from the room, with the setup noted and the client's permission where needed.
  • Types of recording you do, such as vocals, bands, instruments, narration or demos.
  • The room, the microphones and the monitoring equipment you have, listed accurately.
  • Your process: planning, setup, recording and delivery.

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a mix or an edit of the session, if the client wants it finished.
  • Suggest a second session for overdubs or additional parts, booked at the same rate for the same setup.
  • Offer a short recording plan for the client's next release.

Licenses and permits

Recording studios are not commonly licensed, so you usually do not need a license to offer them. Check with your state or local licensing agency for business registration and any rules for the building or the premises, and keep a written agreement that names the hours, the engineer's role, the files and who owns the recordings.

Questions

How do I show the room sounds good?

Share a sample recording made in the room, with the microphones and the setup noted. Clients judge the room by the sound it captures.

Should I let clients use their own engineer?

Only if the agreement allows it and you are comfortable with the terms for the room and the equipment. Put the rules in writing before the session.

What if a session runs over?

Set the extra time rate and the notice period in the agreement. Tell the client when they are close to the end of the booked time, so they can decide how to use it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

More video and audio production guides for pros

Start here

About this guide

Get recording studio requests

Customers pick you by name. Signup is free, and you pay only for leads you accept.

Join as a pro
Sign up free